Complimentary hot dogs, cheeseburgers, baked beans, chips and non-alcoholic beverages were served behind the firing line Saturday as the Mineral County Shooting Sports Association (MCSSA) celebrated the grand opening of its new 1,000-yard range.

For some attendees, it was their first experience shooting at long distance. Others were seasoned marksmen, with spotters equipped with high-powered optics calling out shot placements. But most were there to see the granddaddy of longe distance shooting ranges open to the membership.

The property has increasingly become a community gathering place. Country line dancing is held on the third Saturday of each month and has grown so popular that an additional dance night has been added to the first Wednesday at the association’s building. 

Organizers also plan to host an overflow flea market the same weekend as the St. Regis Flea Market, because the MCSSA administration had heard that it has sold out of vendor spaces. Though the two sites are 23 miles apart, both indoor and outdoor vendor spots will be available at their building. 

Cowboy action shooting events are held regularly, and the Mullan Road Muzzleloaders are scheduled for a large shoot on Saturday, May 2.

MCSSA Vice President Shawn Heyer said the long-range project has been years in the making. 

“This has been in the works for at least 12 years,” Heyer said. “We held our 11th banquet last year after purchasing the 236-acre property, and from day one the goal was to build a long-range facility. It just took time and money to get here. Isn’t that always the case?” he added with a laugh. 

Heyer noted that crews finished filling and leveling the parking area just last week, creating space for several dozen vehicles among the trees. 

Tracy Phillips, an MCSSA member and federal firearms license (FFL) dealer who owns and operates White Mountain Guns in Superior, assists with firearm transfers during the association’s banquets and auctions. While his primary interest has been cowboy action shooting with the Lozeau Lobos, he said he looks forward to using the new range. 

“I like that you can come right out and shoot,” Phillips said. “You can test your hunting rifle at whatever distance you want, all the way out to 1,000 yards. It’s marked at 300 and 500 yards, so we’re ready to go.” 

The association’s original range near its headquarters will continue to serve members needing shorter distances. 

“The goal is to have people sight in at 100 yards down there and use this range for longer distances, so we don’t tie it up for short shooting,” Phillips said.

The new range features six shooting stations, including five bench-mounted positions and one elevated platform designed for prone shooting. Hours of operation are expected to run roughly from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., though adjustments may be made. 

“We don’t want people out here at six in the morning or 11 at night,” Heyer said. “We’re trying to be respectful of the neighbors.” 

Looking ahead, MCSSA leaders hope to expand both programming and facilities. 

“We’d love to host competitive long-range matches now that we’re fully open,” Heyer said. “That will help us raise funds for future improvements.” 

Plans include adding trap, skeet, sporting clays and 3-D archery. 

“We have a lot of dreams,” Phillips added. “It will happen as funding grows and more volunteers step up.” 

Both Heyer and Phillips and the other volunteers of the youth shooting organization were previously involved with Friends of the NRA but chose to form an independent organization after 13 years, citing a desire to keep more funding local. MCSSA currently has about 130 members, with membership fees ranging from $60 annually to $750 for a lifetime membership. Officials noted those rates may increase following completion of the new range.

Gary Marbut, president of the Montana Shooting Sports Association, attended the grand opening and served as range master for the inaugural match held Sunday. 

“Montana shooters are always looking for places where they can reach out to 1,000 yards to test their skills and equipment,” Marbut said. “This is a great addition for sportsmen across the state.” 

Approximately 18 shooters had registered for the Sunday match by 10 a.m.

For more information about shooting matches, range access, line dancing, firearms training, the annual banquet supporting 4-H Shooting Sports, muzzleloader events, and the upcoming flea market, visit www.mineralshootingsports.com.

    Mineral County Shooting Sports Association administration, officers and members were serving food while smiling ear to ear that the dream of the 1,000-yard range had come to fruition. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)
  

    MCSSA President Kevin Donally uses a spotter as he tries out his .338 Lapua during the grand opening of the 1,000-yard range last Saturday. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)
  

    A week after the grand opening of the 1,000 Yard Range at the Mineral County Shooting Sports Association property, the Mullan Road Muzzleloaders gave it a whirl. Not that they needed that much distance, but the original range and building were being used for a Concealed Weapons Certification Class. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)